Thousands of cyclists prepare for Manchester to Blackpool run

The 26th annual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride takes place on July 12 – and more than 8,000 people are expected to take part.

Riders have been asked to raise funds for Manchester-based specialist cancer hospital The Christie

The route begins at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and riders wind their way down country lanes through the North West before finishing at Blackpool’s South Promenade.

There will be refreshment stops indicated at regular intervals and organisers Bike Events provide full back-up, including route-signing, marshals, medics, mechanics and support vehicles.

Riders can then relax in the four acres of garden of the Solaris Centre where there will be refreshments, live music and massage.

A spokesman for the ride said:“Threading more than 8,000 riders through Preston was no mean feat but organiser Bike Events did a great job with the route, using a varied mixture of well-signed roads before heading for the coast and along Blackpool’s South Promenade.

“Riding into the finish area was a pretty memorable experience for riders, looking like the final stage of the Tour de France finish completed with lots of cheering well-wishers.

“The Solaris Centre was the perfect post-ride chill-out zone where riders could relax and reflect on a memorable ride which raised funds for The Christie hospital in Manchester”.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating more than 40,000 patients a year.

Participants can enter the event in advance online or on the day. Start times are between 6.30 and 9.30am.

See www.bike-events.co.uk/manchesterblackpool to enter and for more details.